Professional Documents
Culture Documents
orean
(0 Jor
CULTURAL NOTES
KOREAN
HEADS TART
Cultural Notes
FIRST EDITION
November 1984
CONTENTS
UNIT 1.
INTRODUCTION.....................
2
3
3
3
4
5
5
7
.
.
7
7
8
8
.
.. . . . .
. . . . . . .
..
....
. . . ..
..
. . . . . ..
..
. . .
...
.
. . .
Parties.
.
.
. 10
10
11
. . 12
12
13
15
16
18
19
20
UNIT 5.
TRAVEL, SHOPPING, AND RECREATION
......
Where to Go:
Seoul. . . .
...
. . . .
Where to Go:
Outside Seoul .
..
.......
How to Get There
.
. . . . . . . . . .
Where to Stay . . . . . . .
..........
Shopping in Korea . . . . . . . .
. .
Restaurants and Food
. . .
...
......
Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms.
. ......
Nightlife . . .
....
...
..
.
Sports and Games
.. . . . . . .
. . .
.
23
23
24
UNIT 6.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION .
. . . . . . ..
.
Off-limits Areas
........
.....
...
If You Need Housing . . . . . . .
....
. . .
Family Members: Facilities and Services
. . ..
A Few Final Tips
......
...........
Some Books of Interest
. . . . . . . . ..
.... .
Feature Map of Seoul with Key .
...
.
34
34
34
35
35
36
ii
26
27
28
30
31
31
32
37
UNIT 1.
INTRODUCTION
Although the Korean way of life may be very strange to Americans at first, it's not quite as confusing once you have learned
some basic facts about the history, traditions and customs of the
Korean people. The purpose of this book is to give you the background information you will need to get a "head start" in Korea
and to feel comfortable dealing with its culture.
As you read this, remember that Korea and Koreans are changing
quickly as Western ideas and technology blend with (or challenge)
tradition. Remember also that not every generalization applies to
every person; some Koreans are very traditional, some fairly Westernized, and most somewhere in between. But, in spite of the many
changes in the society and its individuals, there are still many
customs and traditions that all Koreans recognize. Knowing some
of these "unspoken rules" will help you:
a.
b.
c.
d.
UNIT 2.
A BRIEF BACKGROUND
POPULATION
The ancestors of the Koreans are believed to have been migrants
from the north (specifically, Central Asia and the Caucasus) who
came to the Korean peninsula around the thirteenth century B.C.
Generally, Koreans have seldom intermarried with outsiders until
recently when there have been many Korean-American marriages;
however, the percentage of intermarriage with other races is still
very small.
In 1984, South Korea's population was estimated at slightly
more than 40 million, with approximately nine million people living
in Seoul, the capital city. North Korea's total popUlation at this
time was estimated at 20 million.
South Korea is said to be one of the world's most densely populated nations, averaging about 970 people per square mile. While
most people traditionally lived in rural areas, growing numbers are
shifting toward city living as Korea rapidly develops business and
industry. Now almost half (48 percent) of the popUlation lives in
urban areas. This move to the cities has had important effects on
traditional customs and attitudes.
GEOGRAPHY
Jutting south from the northeastern corner of the Asian continent, the Korean peninsula covers about 85,000 square miles.
The Republic of Korea (South Korea), occupying about 45 percent of
the peninsula, is roughly the size of New York State, but has twice
the population.
The peninsula is bounded on the north by the Amnok and Tuman
rivers (Yalu and Tumen in Chinese) and Mount Paektu. Korea shares
its borders with that part of the People's Republic of China which
was formerly Manchuria, and, for a short distance, with the
Vladivostok area of the Soviet Union. On the south the peninsula
faces Japan and on the west the People's Republic of China.
The Korean peninsula is rugged and mountainous; Mount Paektu
is over 9,000 feet high. South Korea contains more level land
than North Korea, especially along the western coast and in the
southeastern Naktong River basin.
CLIMATE
Summers are hot and humid with the monsoon (heavy rainfall)
season usually falling between late June and late August.
Winters are cold with occasional snowfalls. Average January
temperatures along the southern coast are above 32 degrees
Fahrenheit (0 degrees centigrade). Spring and fall are clear and
comfortable, as in the eastern United States.
RECENT HISTORY
Korea has had centuries of civilization, which make a
fascinating story you can trace as you explore the country.
For now, a few words on recent history:
In 1910, following the Russo-Japanese War, Japan annexed Korea.
Despite Korean struggles for independence, this occupation las~ed
until 1945, the end of World War II. To facilitate the surrender
of the Japanese troops in Korea to the Russian and American
commands, the country was temporarily split along the 38th Parallel,
with the North under Soviet control and the South under u.s.
control. Following United Nations-supervised elections in the
South, the Republic of Korea was proclaimed on August 15, 1948,
and recognized by the U.N. as the only lawful government of Korea.
On June 25,
Parallel. This
which the joint
of Korea fought
Communists.
When the hostilities ended, a new demarcation line was established--the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This strip is five miles
wide and 155 miles long. At its western end, the DMZ reaches south
to the mouth of the Han River, about 15 miles below the 38th
Parallel. The eastern end turns up to the coast near Kosong, a
town 50 miles north of the 38th Parallel. Panmunjom, site of the
Military Armistice Commission meetings, lies near the western end
of the DMZ.
GOVERNMENT
The power of the Republic of Korea is centralized in the
office of the President. The Constitution provides for a strong
President, who directs the executive functions through the Prime
Minister and the State Council.
Legislative power rests in the
National Assembly and judicial power in the Supreme Court.
North Korea is nominally a republic with power vested in a
representative assembly to which a cabinet and judiciary are subordinate. However, the government is actually controlled by the
Korean Workers' Party (Korean Communist party) which is headed by
the General Secretary of the Party, who is also President.
HOLIDAYS
In Korea, holidays may occur on fixed dates or they may change
slightly from year to year. Officially, Korea follows the Western
calendar, but many festival days began centuries ago and are based
on the ancient Oriental lunar calendar.
The following are official holidays:
New Year's Day (Shinjong or S61)
January 1
March 1
April 5
May 5
June 6
July 17
August 15
October 1
October 3
October 9
Christmas (Songt'an-j61)
December 25
5
UNIT 3.
A PEOPLE IN TRANSITION
Like every society, Korea's is built around certain themes
that underlie its customs. This section compares Korea's social
themes with our own and suggests what this means for you as an
outsider or guest.
As you learn about Koreans, keep in mind that the country
has been undergoing great changes in life-styles as well as in
business and industry--changes that affect some Koreans more than
others. This means that you will meet some Koreans who are
Westernized and others who are traditional.
Koreans who live in urban areas or who have been educated
abroad are, predictably, more Westernized than Koreans who have
had less exposure to the West. But in cities, almost everyone
wears Western clothing for convenience, keeping traditional
clothing for special occasions. Therefore, Western dress does
not necessarily reflect a Western outlook. You may need to talk
to a Korean at length to find out how traditional he is. Even
Westernized Koreans may maintain an inner core of tradition,
shedding Western ideas and dress when they return home at night.
MALE/FEMALE RELATIONSHIPS
Traditionally, Korean women were quite isolated and restricted.
For the most part, a young woman stayed within the limits of the
family compound until marriage. After marriage, she stayed within
the confines of her new home, except for tasks like shopping.
(Even today, one of the most common Korean expressions for wife is
"inside person.") A man, however, had few if any restrictions.
Modern times have brought changes to Korea, but traditional
attitudes are frequently observed as well. Most girls and boys
are separated in secondary schools. Even today, wives are often
excluded from their husbands' business or social lives.
In the
past, Korean men rarely if ever brought business acquaintances
home "to meet the wife." Instead, they would usually entertain
them at a coffee shop, restaurant or other public place.
8
KIBUN
To a Korean, the word kibun includes all of our American expressions like "mood," "feelings," "frame of mind" and so on, but
it is a much broader, far-reaching idea. The emphasis that
Koreans put on kibun, or state of mind, shows their concern for
the inner person. The importance of maintaining everyone's kibun
at a good level sometimes causes Koreans to behave in ways incomprehensible to unaware Americans.
For example, while Americans may be more interested in meeting
a deadline than in making sure everyone concerned feels good, the
reverse is generally true for Koreans. Also, a Korean might nod
his head and say yes to something you're suggesting or requesting
just to keep from disturbing your kibun.
He may not agree with
what you say, but to refuse or to argue might ruin everyone's
kibun that day.
Thus, many Koreans will avoid g1v1ng an outright "no" or
disagreeing directly. They prefer to use indirect language or to
go through a third party rather than cause any unpleasantness.
Americans who understand this and try to avoid confrontations will
3et along well in Korea.
10
11
UNIT 4.
DON'T:
12
As a general rule,
13
ajossi
ajumoni
agassi
misut'(5 or
misu +
last name
MILITARY RANKS
last name +
rank + nim
last name
+ rank
14
DON'T:
DON'T:
DON'T:
DON'T:
DON'T:
This is a serious
COURTESY TO SENIORS
A Korean is expected to show respect not only to elderly people
(those over 60 years of age), but in many cases to those under 60
who are significantly older than himself as well. This last group
includes one's teachers, supervisors, and so on. So when you see
the word "seniors" in this section, remember that it includes
those higher than you in rank or position as well as the elderly.
In most cases, the same courtesies are extended to them also.
The following list gives some tips for dealing with seniors:
-- Always use both hands when handing something to or when
receiving something from a senior. Using only one hand is considered
very rude.
-- When sitting in the presence of a senior, don't cross your
legs, prop your feet up, or slouch in your chair.
It shows
respect to sit properly with your feet on the floor, instead of
lounging back casually.
15
NONVERBAL ETIQUETTE
Nonverbal communication includes all the ways one expresses
ideas or emotions without words--physical contact, gestures,
posture, and so on. This section briefly discusses some types of
nonverbal communication used by Koreans, as well as some types
that should not be used.
Generally speaking, in Korean culture it is considered impolite to touch another person physically unless there is a wellestablished bond of close friendship, or childhood or family ties.
(Probably the only exception to this occurs on overcrowded buses
and subways, where Koreans pretend not to notice the elbows in
their ribs or the bodies pushing past them to get on or off.)
Slapping someone on the back or putting an arm around someone's
shoulders is improper unless the person is a close friend.
Grasping someone by the arm or shoulder to get his attention is
quite rude; it's much better to have to call him several times than
to tap or slap his shoulder. Never touch or put your hand on
someone's head. This is very offensive.
Showing affection in public for someone of the opposite sex,
even one's spouse, embarrasses Koreans, and kissing in public is
simply not done by Koreans. In the city, some young couples may
be seen holding hands, but this is a fairly recent development.
As a general rule, there is no physical contact between males and
females in public in this country.
16
18
When visiting,
remembe~:
DO:
DO:
TABLE MANNERS
Mealtime in Korea is quite different from mealtime in America.
First of all, Koreans sit cross-legged on the floor and eat from
small, low tables. Second, all the dishes are served at the same
time, not in separate courses. Third, food is eaten with chopsticks or a spoon for rice and soup. Eating with your hands is
to be avoided whenever possible. Fourth, Koreans use their chopsticks to help themselves from communal dishes, instead of having
their own plates. Everyone gets his or her own bowls of rice and
soup, but all other dishes are shared.
At the beginning of the meal, wait for the senior person
present (the highest-ranking guest or the eldest) to sit down at
the table before you do, and wait for him to begin eating first.
If it's a formal occasion or a special dinner, start the meal
by offering to pour sauce into a dish for the person next to you.
This courtesy will be returned. Do not pour for yourself. The
same holds true for beverages--pour tea or wine for your neighbor
or for an elder, but never for yourself. Be sure to use both
hands when pouring for someone--one hand holds the bottle or
teapot, the other "supports" the hand or forearm from underneath.
Also, use both hands to hold your cup or glass when someone is
filling it for you. You may use the "support" method above if
you're ~olding the cup above the table; if the cup is resting on
the table, just touch it with your hands on both sides of the
cup. Remember, if it's just a regular meal with friends, you won't
be expected to perform all these little ceremonies.
Mealtime is a serious matter for Koreans, and "dinner conversation" is limited. When eating, Koreans talk less than Americans,
except for the host, who will offer more food or apologize for its
"poor quality." Conversation is saved for after dinner.
19
DO:
DON'T:
DON'T:
DON'T:
21
DO:
DO:
DO:
DON'T:
22
SEOUL
23
OUTSIDE SEOUL
24
-gun
county or district
-.!!E
-ri; -ni
village
-si
city
-g}!
-dong
sub-district (part of a
-~
palace
-won
park or garden
-kongwon
public park
25
-~)
-mun
gate
street or avenue
-sa
temple
-san
mountain
27
SHOPPING IN KOREA
Korea is, simply put, a shoppers' paradise. Here you'll find
incredibly low prices on clothing and most manufactured items, as
well as a variety of unique products that you'll buy as gifts and
souvenirs.
There are probably hundreds of things you will want to purchase during your stay, either for yourself or for family and
friends. Bargains in Korean artwork include celadon and porcelain
pottery and vases, paintings, calligraphy, and handicrafts.
Brassware ranges from small decorative items all the way up to
king-size brass beds. Lacquerware with mother-of-pearl inlay is
available in vases, jewelry boxes, and even furniture. Speaking
of furniture, you can get good deals on copies of antique Korean
chests, desks, and dressers. These are made of wood with brass
trimmings and handles.
Other bargains include blankets and bedspreads (in fabrics
like satin and velvet); silk and brocade fabrics; silk dresses,
shirts, and blouses; sportswear and sweaters; and athletic shoes
of all kinds--for basketball, racquetball, jogging, or just
"hanging out." As for clothing, not only can you have suits or
dresses custom-tailored, but you can also order leather boots,
jackets or coats made to measure. Use your own design or copy
another style; if you can sketch it, they can produce it.
You can also buy jewelry (jade, amethyst, and smoky topaz);
sports and camping equipment; luggage of all sorts and sizes;
eelskin belts, wallets, and handbags; and toys, dolls, and stuffed
animals for children. Korean electronic items have become more
and more popular lately, due to their improved quality, and you
can find everything from personal radios to television sets for
sale.
Just as there's a variety of things to buy, there is also a
variety of places to shop, ranging from modern department stores
to farmers' markets. Below is a general list of places to shop
in the Seoul area, arranged roughly from the most expensive to
the least expensive:
--hotel gift shops and duty-free shops
--high-fashion shops and boutiques (especially in the
Myongdong and Insadong areas)
--major department stores
--small, independent shops and stores
--the It'aewon shopping district
--East Gate and South Gate markets
28
29
31
changgi
hwat'u
32
33
UNIT 6.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OFF-LIMITS AREAS
certain areas or establishments may be designated as off-limits
areas by military commanders. Specific off-limits establishments
include all Korean drugstores, barbershops, and beauty parlors. In
the case of the last two, this is due to possible health and sanitation problems. Korean drugstores may dispense medicines that are
unapproved or unsafe. Do not use these establishments.
Other areas or businesses may be placed off-limits on a temporary basis by the local commander. These are usually bars or
restaurants that have impure water or unsanitary conditions or are
guilty of discriminatory practices. Off-limits areas are
established as a form of protection, not as a restriction, and must
be strictly observed.
IF YOU NEED HOUSING
If you are military and serving an accompanied tour, you will
receive an appropriate housing allowance while in Korea. Government
quarters are limited, although large complexes have recently been
built near Yongsan Garrison in Seoul and at Os an AFB to the south.
Nongovernment housing available includes Western-style apartments,
Korean-style homes, and smaller, more primitive dwellings called
"hooches" by Americans.
Finding quarters on the Korean economy is best accomplished by
word-of-mouth. Friends or coworkers can tell you about vacancies
near them, and those people preparing to leave Korea will create
vacancies. They can recommend landlords, give estimates on the
cost of utilities, and provide other information. Take advantage
of what they already know.
Renting will take one of several forms: you may make regular
monthly payments, you may give the landlord "key money" and pay no
monthly rent at all, or you may combine a small "key money" payment
with reduced rent. "Key money" consists of a large, one-time payment made when you move in. When you move out, your key money is
returned.
The landlord uses the key money as he pleases, usually investing it rather than banking it. Since a bad investment could delay
or even prevent repayment to you, paying rent regularly may be more
attractive.
34
FAMILY MEMBERS:
If you are military and serving a command-sponsored (accompanied) tour, you are authorized to have your family members with
you in Korea. This means they will be flown to Korea at government
expense and will be allowed all their regular privileges, such as
the use of commissaries, exchanges and health-care facilities.
A noncommand-sponsored tour is without family members.
If
you will be serving this kind of tour (unaccompanied), you are
strongly discouraged from bringing your family to Korea. First,
you will not be reimbursed for their travel costs; you have to pay
this yourself. Second, due to the limited facilities and the
ceiling placed on the family member population they will not be
authorized commissary, exchange, housing and other privileges.
35
Seoul International
Korea, a History.
Rutland, vermont:
36
37
Placename
Korean Pronunication
1.
Boo-gak Sky-way
2.
Kyung-boke-goong
3.
Joong-ang-chong and
Kwang-hwa-mun
4.
Chang-doke-goong and
Pee-wahn
5.
Changgyong Gardens
Chang-gyung-wahn
6.
Nay-jah Hotel
7.
8.
Cho-gyay-sah
9.
Een-sah-dong
10.
Chong-myo
11.
Tong-day-mun she-jang
12.
East Gate
Tong-day-mun
13.
Seoul Stadium
Soul oon-dong-jang
14.
Duksoo Palace
Duck-soo-goong
15.
She-chong
16.
Moo-gyo-dong
17.
So-gong-dong
18.
Myung-dong
19.
South Gate
Nam-day-mun
20.
Nam-day-mun she-jang
21.
Soul-yoke
38
22.
Soul Tau-wah
23.
24.
Ee-tay-wahn
25.
National Theater
Goong-neep-gook-jang
26.
Soul Kyung-mah-jang
27.
O-rin-ee tay-gong-wahn
28.
Shin-sah-dong
NOTE:
OFFICE: 1985-584-396